The Elon football team is spending spring break in Costa Rica as part of Elon's commitment to diversity and global engagement for its students. Throughout the week, we will bring photos and stories from the time abroad.
DAY ONE
By Brodie Carroll and Dylan Magazu
Day one of our Costa Rica trip started with an early morning wake-up and an opportunity to take command of the airplane. We all had the chance to talk to fellow travelers, share information about Elon football, and connect with those who were fans. After two safe flights and a two-hour time change, we arrived in Costa Rica.
Our first stop was a restaurant on a farm, where we enjoyed chicken, beef, and mashed potatoes, followed by delicious churros and ice cream for dessert. The farm was filled with peacocks, cats, a massive bull, and even a donkey. Lucy, our wonderful tour guide, taught us the difference between a mango tree we saw and a “manga,” which is what we commonly refer to as a mango.
After listening to an overview of the province and surrounding area during our drive, we arrived at the hotel and had some downtime. Many of us visited the local convenience store, explored nearby shops, or relaxed at the pool. We then had dinner together at the hotel, enjoying a great meal with fish, pork, fresh fruits, and delicious desserts. Everyone was able to hang out before heading to bed to prepare for our big clinic the next day.
DAY TWO
By Jimmyll Williams and Gabe Navarro
Our second day of the trip was eventful from start to finish. We began bright and early with breakfast at 7:00 a.m., then loaded up the bus and headed to a local field to host a clinic for about 20 participants.
Evan Safreed led the warmups as we got started. From there, we split everyone into position groups, ran position-specific drills, and answered questions about football. It was a great experience, and the team really enjoyed both teaching the game and learning more about the local culture.
After the game, we made our way to downtown San Jose. The first thing we did was stop to have lunch. This local shopping center had multiple restaurants in a 200 ft. radius. From there we went to Barrio Escalante, a shopping center that stretches over 3 miles. Once we finished our evening, we made our way back to the hotel. Everyone agreed to enjoy the pool one last night before we switch hotels tomorrow.
After a full day, we returned to the hotel, where everyone took advantage of one last night at the pool before switching hotels the next day. We had dinner at 6:30 p.m., relaxed for the evening, and turned in around 10:00 p.m.
DAY THREE
By TJ Crews IV and Owen Kelley
Our third day of the trip down here in Costa Rica was a travel day, however we still had multiple events throughout the day that were amazing. On Monday we woke up early for a long day of adventure, started with breakfast, and then checked out of our hotel in San José. For breakfast, we had rice and beans, pork tamales, and an assortment of fruit with coffee. We left our hotel at 8:00 a.m. and got on the bus, setting off for a day that would eventually take us to Liberia.
Our first stop was at a coffee plantation about 45 minutes outside of downtown San José. Coffee is one of Costa Rica’s most important exports because it is both high in quantity and quality. One of the main companies in the United States that buys coffee beans from Costa Rica is Starbucks. At the plantation, we got to see what the coffee plants looked like up close and learn how the beans are grown and harvested. We also had the opportunity to try a fresh blend of coffee, and it ended up being the best cup of coffee I have ever had. This stop was easily my favorite part of the day.
After the coffee plantation, we continued on to our next stop, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which we reached after about an hour and a half drive. When we arrived, they gave us chocolate-covered coffee beans, which was a great surprise. The park is a private reserve that showcases many of the species that inhabit Costa Rica, and we saw a wide variety of exotic animals including toucans, jaguars, monkeys, cows, snakes, frogs, and butterflies.
As we continued walking through the park, we eventually made our way down to the waterfalls. When we finally got there, it was a magical scene with four massive, powerful waterfalls that looked absolutely insane. Along the way, there were also several scenic viewpoints and waterfall exhibits that were perfect for photos.
We had a big lunch at the park before getting back on the road to continue our journey. The rest of the drive to Liberia was long, taking us through the mountains with plenty of breathtaking views. We made a couple of stops along the way, including passing through Lucy’s hometown, and even though most stops were quick bathroom breaks, the scenery made the ride memorable. At one point, we were able to witness a very beautiful sunset from the bus windows.
DAY FOUR
By Tony Hart III and Nhycer Kelly
Our day on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, was busy but really fun and full of many experiences. We started the morning early with breakfast at the hotel at 6:45- 7 am. Before eating, we made sure to load up all of our luggage so we were ready to go. By 8:00 am, we were on the bus heading toward the beach, excited for everything planned.
Around 9:30 am, we went tubing down a canyon river, which was one of the highlights of the day. It was cool being surrounded by nature while floating through the water. After that, we had lunch at Hacienda Guachipelín around 12:00, where we got to relax and enjoy some great food.
Later, at 1:30 pm, we visited the Curubandé school. It was a great experience because we got to see a different learning environment and understand more about the local community also the heat was very intense. After the visit, we left at 2:30 pm and headed to Tamarindo.
On the way, we stopped around 4:00 pm for a fruit tasting, which was really interesting because we tried fresh local fruits. By 5:30 pm, we checked into the Tamarindo Diría Hotel, where we had time to settle in. We ended the day with dinner at Brisa Mar restaurant at 7:00 pm.
Overall, the day was a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From tubing in the river to visiting a school and ending at the beach, it was a long but memorable day that we all enjoyed.
DAY FIVE
By Jevean Brown and Kenaz McMillian
After a long day of travel from Liberia, we finally arrived in the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo, ready to soak in everything Costa Rica has to offer. The slower pace of the ocean immediately set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable days of the trip. We started the morning with breakfast right on the beach, enjoying the sound of waves crashing and the warm ocean breeze. There’s something different about eating with your feet in the sand it makes everything feel more relaxed and present. Afterward, we headed to the gym for a quick workout, a nice way to balance out all the good food and keep our energy up for the day ahead.
Once we had some free time, everyone spread out to explore in their own way. Some walked through the town, checking out local shops and soaking in the culture, while others chose to relax by the pool or head back to the beach. Tamarindo has a laid-back but lively energy, and even a short walk gives you a feel for its charm. By midday, we made our way to the catamaran, excited for what was ahead. As we sailed along the coastline, the views were unreal—clear blue water stretching endlessly and lush greenery lining the shore. We eventually arrived at a secluded cove where the real adventure began. We jumped into the water, swam around, and even tried a few tricks off the side of the boat. Some of us explored the nearby beach, while others grabbed snorkeling gear to see what was beneath the surface.
The snorkeling experience was incredible. We saw a variety of marine life, from colorful fish to other unique aquatic species, making it feel like we had stepped into another world. It was one of those moments where everything slows down and you just take it all in. After working up an appetite, we were served a delicious, locally made lunch right on the boat. The meal included classic Costa Rican flavors grilled chicken, rice and beans, fresh pico de gallo, chips, and a variety of tropical fruits. Everything tasted fresh and authentic, adding to the overall experience of being fully immersed in the culture.
As the afternoon came to an end, we sailed back toward shore, tired but in the best way possible. Once we returned, we had time to get ready for dinner and reflect on the day. That night, we enjoyed a three course meal at La Palapa, a beautiful beachfront restaurant known for its incredible views. Sitting there with the sound of waves hitting the sand, sharing stories and laughing together, was the perfect way to end the day. The combination of great food, good company, and the natural beauty of Costa Rica made it a night none of us will forget.
DAY SIX
By Evan Safreed and Dan Frederick
Our day started early—7:30 AM on the beaches of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Instead of sleeping in, we grabbed buckets and gloves and got straight to work. For about an hour and a half, we walked the shoreline picking up anything we could find. Everything from cigarette butts to plastic bottles littered a place that otherwise looked like paradise. It was a simple task, but it made a real impact and opened our eyes to environmental responsibility.
At 3:30, we shifted from physical work to something more personal. Dr. Tucker led a teaching session focused on manhood and what it truly means to be a man. We talked about responsibility, leadership, and accountability—understanding that being a man is about more than just physical strength.
We wrapped up the day with a rooftop dinner overlooking the ocean during sunset. It was the perfect way to close everything out. After a day of service and reflection, it felt good to relax and enjoy the moment together.
DAY SEVEN
By Carter Wyatt
For leisure day, we had a phenomenal last day in Costa Rica soaking up the waves and sunshine. The guys woke up early and grabbed the infamous Costa Rican coffee early and immediately went to breakfast by the ocean. After breakfast, most guys decided to rent a surfboard and shred some waves while others took advantage of the free morning to get some rest and relaxation.
Different groups of guys took turns switching between walking the beach, lounging by the pool, or going back and forth between each for the majority of the day. Lunch was on our own so most guys split up and walked the beach and hit some shops until they found a place of their choice.
The guys I was with went to “Eat at Joe’s” at Witches Brew on the coastline where the guys tried their well-known nachos which were and a quote “As big as your rear”. We then shopped around at some stores and eventually went back to the pool at the hotel. From there a group of guys decided to hang back and get some rest by walking the shore, while another group went to ride ATVs throughout the jungle and coastline.
The guys I was with went to “Eat at Joe’s” at Witches Brew on the coastline where the guys tried their well-known nachos which were and a quote “As big as your rear”. We then shopped around at some stores and eventually went back to the pool at the hotel. From there a group of guys decided to hang back and get some rest by walking the shore, while another group went to ride ATVs throughout the jungle and coastline.
I personally chose to sit back and watch the March Madness games by the pool and enjoy the slate of really good sweet sixteen games on tv Friday night. Once all the other guys got back, everyone showered up and got ready for beachfront dinner as we took in the majestic sunset which was the most beautiful of the entire trip coincidentally. After a three-course meal served with a side of waves and sunset, everyone was on their own to finish the evening. We are sad to see the week end, but Costa Rica sure knew how to end our amazing week with a sun-kissed smile as we departed back to Elon at dusk.